THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 5D 



Having extracted a rather unwilling 

 acquiescence in my proposal from the 

 kind owner of the chateau, I laid an em- 

 bargo on his larder and cellar, and told 

 him I should give instructions to the 

 maitre d' hotel and the chef to do the need- 

 ful for the whole party. 



I made the bargain with mine host of 

 La Grande Maison that he was to dine us 

 at four francs a head, including a bottle 

 of good vin ordinaire, coffee, &c. ; that the 

 chef was to be sent to the chateau, and 

 the expense of transporting the edibles, 

 extra plate, &c., was to be defrayed by 

 himself ; the champagne and vins de dessert 

 to be paid for separately, an account of 

 which was to be kept. 



This plan was approved of and carried, 

 I cannot say '' nem. con.," for the liberal 

 proprietor of the chateau did not like the 

 idea of a dinner being paid for under his 

 roof ; but he was fain obliged to pocket 

 the affront, and hold his peace. 



